Search - Various Artists :: Burt Bacharach Songbook

Disappointed song versions were not the popular ones.

steveg@cmg.net | Chester, New Jersey | 09/03/1998

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I asked my wife "who sings 'Close To You'?". Easy question, the Carpenters. Not on this CD, it's Andy Williams. "Do You Know The Way To San Jose" is a piano instrumental, no horns, no lyrics. With a few exceptions, the artists I associate with my favorite Bacharach songs were not on this CD. When you've grown up with certain artists in mind for certain songs it is tremendously disappointing to be fed different versions. I should have read more thouroughly, I wished I hadn't bought it."

A superb sampler of Bacharach originals, covers and rarities

01/03/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While certainly not the most comprehensive package of Bacharach-penned hits available (and any collection that, whether deliberately or inadvertently, omits Bacharach's primary vocalist, Dionne Warwick, is guilty of at least one egregious error), The Burt Bacharach Songbook makes a fine starter set for the passing Bacharach fan. With Bacharach personally arranging and conducting several tracks, including Jackie DeShannon's "What The World Needs Now Is Love" and Gene Pitney's "Only Love Can Break A Heart", the collection also includes the primary pop hit versions of many other Bacharach tunes, notably The Fifth Dimension's #2 smash from December of 1970, "One Less Bell To Answer", Sandie Shaw's Beatles-era UK #1, "(There's) Always Something There To Remind Me", Dusty Springfield's 1964 British hit take on "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself" and Jack Jones' 1963 easy-listening classic, "Wives And Lovers". In addition, the album also features a few rare covers, including Della Reese's bluesy "A House Is Not A Home" and Dionne Warwick's own sister's interpretation of her 1967 hit, "Alfie"! All in all, an excellent (if regrettably Dionne Warwick-less) Bacharach tribute."

"heyday was the '60s and going strong ~ Bacharach"

J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 04/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This collection zero's in on the '60s and '70s with lyricist Hal David ~ remember the numerous Dionne Warwick releases and other Bacharach anthologies ~ gathered here are some different but deserving interpretations along with several hits, sophisticated, inventive and memorable tunes which were immortalized by many of the world's greatest performers.This is a must have ~ 17 tracks with a lasting impact demonstrated by some high reaching numbers on the "pop charts" ~ bittersweet and memorable melodies that never seem to fade over the passing of the years.Must thank ~ Cary E. Mansfield & Jim Pierson (producer) ~ Dan Hersch (digitally remastered) ~ Bill Inglot (sound produced by) ~ Jim Pierson (wonderful liner-notes) ~ Varese Sarabande in showcasing music that will always remain ripe for a return visit ~ BURT BACHARACH!Total Time: 54:30 on 17 Tracks...Varese Sarabande VSD-5873...(1998)"